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Summer Wedding Ideas You'll Want to Steal

By Chloe Gorman

July 27, 2011

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Sotiris Tsakanikas

Seasonal details like these are bound to make a splash at your warm-weather celebration.

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Sotiris Tsakanikas

Whether you're getting married at the start of the season in late June, at the tail-end in late September, or in the middle during either July or August, a summer wedding date affords you tons of opportunities to embrace the season on your big day. If you're taking advantage of the sunny forecast and tying the knot on the beach or serving your favorite seasonal treats (think ice cream or sliced watermelon), you already understand what the hottest months have to offer. Ultimately, it's easy to see why so many couples wed during the summer months.

If you're one of those couples, consider the following summer wedding ideas—they'll help you curate the best-possible warm-weather event. Not sure how to begin adding seasonal details to your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception? Start with the basics: Capitalize on your outdoor wedding venue by hosting all of your festivities in the open air. The Secret Owl and Splendid Events took advantage of the beautiful nighttime summer weather by holding this reception outside. The pros filled the space with summery colors like red and blue using rentals from Mint Event Finds and lighting from Christos Soleas.

While seasonal décor is a must when crafting a summer event, there's one other factor to consider: It's also key to keep guests' comfort in mind—which is why we've also provided plenty of ideas that will help your attendees beat the heat, stave off mosquitoes, and avoid other summertime nuisances. From décor suggestions to practical advice, this list has it all. So, before you plan your summer wedding, take get inspired by the idea ahead. With all of this inspiration under your belt, your nuptials will feel like the ultimate summer vacation for your celebrants.

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Airy Dress

Ashley Ludaescher Photography

Summer Wedding Dresses Perfect for Warmer Weather

If you're tying the knot during the summer, you might be thinking of wearing a short dress. Not only did this Zimmerman number's length help keep the bride cool, but the cutouts on the back made the look even more warm-weather ready.

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Fan Menus

The Happy Bloom

At your summertime event, your paper goods will be even more impressive if they serve a dual purpose. These folding menus by The Paper Refinery doubled as fans to help guests cool off during the reception. The floral print on the back of the stationery also matched the table's Floressence Flowers centerpiece and décor by Willow & Oak.

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Bright Mix

Sotiris Tsakanikas

Stunning Summer Centerpieces Using In-Season Flowers

Fewer things scream summer more than a pink-and-orange color palette, which makes this Splendid Events centerpiece particularly seasonal. Take notes from the pros and use the colors throughout your own floral arrangements. Sliced fruit also nod to summer.

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Orange Tree

Rachel Solomon Photography

Ways to Use Citrus in Every Element of Your Wedding

Florals are always a welcome addition to a ceremony aisle, but for a summer wedding, we think orange trees are an even better option. LVL Weddings & Events proved flowers and oranges look even prettier together than they do apart when styling the last row of this ceremony's chairs; the team also added a small mix of roses from Heavenly Blooms to the bottom of the display.

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Blush Dresses

Kerry Jeanne Photography

The Prettiest Pink Bridesmaids' Dresses for Spring

Emphasize your in-season pink-and-white color scheme by making like this bride and outfitting your bridesmaids in blush gowns. These attendants' ensembles matched their muted bouquets from Bellaflora Farms perfectly.

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Seasonal Welcome Basket

J. Harper Photography

Welcome your attendees to your warm-weather event by treating them to some seasonal goodies. We're pretty sure they'll thank you for something like this summery spread, complete with honey and gin from Bar Hill, florals from Tarrnation Flower Farm, and twine from Silk & Willow.

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Fans

Elias Kordelakos

If your ceremony will take place in an outdoor area without shade, you'll need to find another way to help your guests beat the heat. That's why The Twelve Events set up this fan station at this summertime event.

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Orange Escort Cards

Hunter Ryan Photography

Insanely Creative Escort Cards and Seating Displays

During the summer, so many different flowers, fruits, and vegetables are in peak season, which means it's beyond easy to incorporate them into your big-day décor. Want a truly inspired idea? Just look to these citrus escort cards by Dana Marino Design and Fabulously Chic.

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Watermelon

Caroline Tran Photography

Unexpected Wedding Food Ideas Your Guests Will Love

Chances are, your cocktail hour and reception will be full of seasonal favorites, but for a truly refreshing bite, we suggest passing around frozen watermelon slices.

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Hats

Anna Roussos

There are many ways to keep your guests cool during your outdoor ceremony (think parasols or ceremony program fans). For some, a hat is the best option. We're loving the off-white fedoras that were provided at this event. Not only were they a stylish way to combat the heat, but attendees could also wear them after the wedding was over.

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Airy Seating Chart

Elizabeth Fogarty Photography

Lucite Wedding Ideas for the Minimalist Couple

There's something so light and airy about acrylic details—two elements that are a must for summer wedding décor. This see-through seating chart by Kari Rider Events and Steph B. & Co. hit both notes and placed all of the emphasis on the in-season blooms from Crimson & Clover.

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Cool Couple

Imaj Gallery

It's important that both the bride and groom are comfortable at their summer wedding. Whether you're planning on wearing a full-length gown or a tuxedo, make like this couple and make attire tweaks that work with the season. The short sleeves on the bride's Oscar de la Renta dress and the light color of the groom's Suit it Up Manila tux ensured they felt (and looked!) great all day long.

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Beige Bridesmaids' Attire

Michelle Beller

Neutral Beige Bridesmaids' Dresses Your Entire Wedding Party Will Love

To keep cool on a hot summer day, light colors (not dark shades, which absorb sunrays!) are a must. Consider beige gowns—these were from Watters—for your bridal party. The thoughtfully selected attire will help your 'maids stay comfortable without sacrificing style.

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Kumquats

Rebecca Yale Photography

One of the best parts about summery fruits? They add a bit of color wherever you decide to use them. On this neutral table by Twofold LA, kumquats were featured on both the settings and in the centerpiece (full of white lilies from Emblem Flowers) for a pop of orange. Adding beachy texture—consider something like these wicker chargers from Borrowed BLU—will only add to the summer vibe.

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Oysters

Sarah Carpenter Photography

How to Choose a Summer Wedding Menu That'll Hold Up in the Heat—and Help Keep Guests Cool!

Seafood is a summertime staple, so feel free to offer it at your cocktail hour. These oysters from Ravishing Radish Catering were just one small part of this event's seasonal spread.

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Blue, White, and Gray

Sotiris Tsakanikas

Our Favorite Summer Wedding Color Palettes

When thinking of your and your future husband's big-day looks, draw inspiration from your favorite summer color palettes. Although blue, white, and gray were an unexpected choice for this bride's Golden Apple Weddings bouquet and groom's Menz Club tux, they still felt seasonal.

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Clear Seating Chart

Vicki Grafton

If the beautiful outdoors is the setting for your summer wedding, you won't want anything to obstruct your view—including your seating chart. Guest found their seats (and enjoyed the landscape of Stone Tower Winery) at this event via this acrylic setup by Leah Letters and Ashlee Virginia Events. Planters full of florals from Nature Composed were added the display to emphasize the outdoor vibe.

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Yellow Cake

Pinkerton Photography

Yellow Wedding Ideas That Will Make Your Day Bright and Cheery

For a wedding cake with summer vibes, ask your baker to work with a vibrant color palette and in-season florals. That's exactly what Růže Cake House did when creating this confection. The pros worked with yellow buttercream and orange-and-pink roses to make the ultimate summer dessert.

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Popsicles

Anna Delores Photography

Frozen Drink Ideas for Summer Weddings

Fruity cocktails aren't the only summer signature drink option out there. Instead, bring seasonal flair to your beverages in an unexpected (and tasty) way by serving popsicles. These iterations served as both swizzle sticks and ice cubes and came with a message—written by Sophia Loves Letters—prompting guests to "stay cool."

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Floral Stationery

Krista Mason Photography

Floral stationery will let your guests know about your warm-weather big day before they even see the date on the card. Attendees got a glimpse of the orange-and-pink peonies on this Betty Lu Paperie suite thanks to a see-through vellum envelope.

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Shell Cake

Erich McVey

Ideas for an Elevated Beach Wedding

If you're throwing a seaside ceremony, draw inspiration from your surroundings when designing your big-day confection. Mussel shells added a bit of verticality, color, and seasonality to this one-tier by Yam & Bean.

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Ice Cream

Jenn Emerling

For a warm-weather event, replace a traditional wedding cake with ice cream. The frozen treat is a no-brainer when it comes to staving off the heat. Nimble & Finn's served up a variety of flavors at this couple's summer celebration.

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Flavored Water

Ashley Ludaescher Photography

Non-Alcoholic Hydration Stations Your Wedding Guests Will Appreciate

It goes without saying that water is a necessity at any summertime wedding, but that doesn't mean that it has to be plain. To make the refreshment a little more appealing, serve it flavored, like Danae Grace Events did here, by adding in sliced fruits.

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Sunglasses

Pat Furey Photography

Searching for a practical accessory for your wedding look? Sunglasses—these were from The Market NYC—will do the trick.

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Parasols

Stefano Santucci

Ways to Keep Guests Cool at Your Warm-Weather Wedding

We'd argue that there's not much better than a destination wedding during the summer, but make sure your guests are protected from the sun; this couple passed out parasols to do so. To nod to their Italian location, the umbrellas sat in an embroidered basket reading "pazzo di te," or "crazy about you."

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Sturdy Shoes

Carrie Patterson

Best Shoes for a Bride to Wear to a Summer Wedding

During your outdoor wedding, you won't want to wear stilettoes that sink into the grass, ruining the shoe forever. Instead, opt for something with a sturdy block heel, like these Alexandre Birman sandals.

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Colorful Attire

Michael & Carina Photography

Our Favorite Colorful Dresses from Real Weddings

Summer is the season of vibrant colors, so why wouldn't you want to wear them down the aisle? This bride and groom—the former in Abbeydale and the latter in Monique Lhuillier—wore bright hues that worked with their summertime event.

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Convertible Portraits

Vienna Glenn Photography

After your warm-weather reception, take a few photos (and a ride) with your new husband or wife in a convertible and enjoy the evening air.

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Summer Wedding Ideas You'll Want to Steal

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Airy Dress

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Fan Menus

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Bright Mix

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Orange Tree

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Blush Dresses

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Seasonal Welcome Basket

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Fans

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Orange Escort Cards

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Watermelon

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Hats

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Airy Seating Chart

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Cool Couple

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Beige Bridesmaids' Attire

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Kumquats

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Oysters

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Blue, White, and Gray

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Clear Seating Chart

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Yellow Cake

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Popsicles

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Floral Stationery

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Shell Cake

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Ice Cream

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Flavored Water

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Sunglasses

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Parasols

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